The (Scary) Truth About Dog Parks + Alternatives & Pros & Cons | Pupford
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The 'dog park debate' is truly one of the most divisive aspects of being a pup parent. While dog parks can be a powerful tool for giving your pup physical exercise, they can also quickly turn into a dangerous trap.
In this episode, we break down some of the pros and cons of dog parks and how they can benefit your pup. We also explore the dangers, negatives, and scary parts of taking your pup to a dog park.
Plus, we look at some alternatives to dog parks! Let's get right into it. 👇
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OVERVIEW OF THE TRUTH ABOUT DOG PARKS
Dog parks can be a divisive topic.
Some people say dog parks are bad.
Others absolutely love dog parks.
So, which is it?
Let's look at some pros and cons of dog parks so you can determine for yourself!
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POSITIVES & PROS OF DOG PARKS
Dog parks can be a powerful tool for getting your dog's energy out and helping them socialize with other pups!
Here are some main benefits of dog parks:
- Interaction with new dogs and dogs of different sizes
- Ability to run freely off leash
- Typically more space than your yard or another exercise area (at least off leash)
- Fenced in so you don’t have to worry about your dog running off
- Get their exercise out
The main reason dog parents go to the dog park is for their dogs to have the freedom to run and play in a fenced-in area!
But there can be drawbacks... ⤵️
NEGATIVES & CONS OF DOG PARKS
To be frank, many of the worst experiences I've had with my dogs have happened at dog parks. Yikes!
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Here are some common drawbacks and cons of dog parks:
- Pup parents who don’t pay attention to their dog and the subsequent cues and body language their dog is giving off
- Too many dogs with ‘pent-up’ energy in one confined space
- The potential for very bad dog-dog interactions (dog fights, attacks, etc.)
- You do not know the other dogs' and humans' backgrounds, training methods, beliefs about training, etc.
- You can create negative experiences for your dog if they have bad interactions with other dogs
The number of times I've seen dogs attack other dog parks AND THEN the dog stays in the park is too high to count. It's terrifying and can be a serious problem.
If you're gonna go to a dog park, express caution!
Related Reading: Puppy Fear Periods
ALTERNATIVES TO DOG PARKS
So if you're not wanting to go to a dog park, what can you do?!
Here are some common dog park alternatives:
- Parks that have off-leash hours or just normal parks on a leash
- Longer walks, jogging or running, hikes
- Simple pup play dates where you know the dogs and have more control of the situation
- Never forget the importance of mental exercise with tools like:
- Flirt pole
- Snuffle mat
- Lick mat
- Foraging boxes, etc
Here are some more resources for dog park alternatives:
Learn how to exercise your dog indoors here.
Learn all about the power and benefits of mental stimulation for dogs here.
Struggling with a high-energy dog? Learn how to calm down a hyper dog here.
WHAT DO PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT DOG PARKS?
Erika Gonzalez: "I have a lot I can say about dog parks, but I’ll just say this, you probably won’t see me at any."
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Amber Aquart: "When going to a dog park, sit outside for a while and observe the dogs inside, their body language, and how their owners handle situations to best determine if it’s a good idea or not for you and your dog to enter."
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Britt Erickson: "Dog parks are a great exercise outlet but not a place you take your puppy to be socialized."
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Richard Gonzalez: "I believe that dog parks are unpredictable and I feel that there are better options to get our dogs the physical activity they need. There’s just too many unpredictable variables that could cause physical, emotional, or mental harm to my dog, and it’s not worth it to me."
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DOG PARK PROS & CONS + ALTERNATIVES RECAP
Multiple dog trainers are apprehensive about dog parks. Figure out for yourself what is best for you and your dog.
Everyone’s situation is different, and it can seem like your only option at times. Weigh the pros and cons, and look at what you are getting yourself into.
If you feel uncomfortable and you can sense your dog’s discomfort, leave. It is much harder to overcome mental and emotional challenges your dog can experience if being attacked/had other poor experiences, than cutting their playtime a little short.
What has been your experience with dog parks? Tell me in the comments!
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62 comments
Leave a CommentI generally agree with the comments related to the unknown risks at dog parks. In fact, recently, a friend’s dog was brutally attacked while at a dog park and received several stitches in the head as a result. However, isn’t doggie day care also potentially dangerous? If the staff at day care isn’t vigilant, one’s dog could be harmed by another, right?
Is it possible for a puppy to learn bad behavior from dogs at the park?
We got our puppy from a friend who had a dog come on his property and give birth. He’s smart and sweet but scared of most things. There are no dog parks in our small town but he has a best friend (a very sweet Pitbull). When we went to the city for a job, I decided to take him to a dog park. A few of the dogs growled at him or made him uncomfortable (looking at his body language), but I allowed it because he was having fun with some of the other dogs (I also wanted to do recall training with distraction). But since then, he’s been growling and barking at other dogs and people. He loves everyone, usually. But it’s like he had some bad association and he’s lost his mind. What do we do?
Excellent suggestion to wait and observe what the dogs and owners are like before entering a dog park. Simple yet sound advice. My dog was almost attacked at a dog park; I rescued her but just after she turned quickly to avoid the Shepherd and consequently ripped off her knee cap- a $8K fix! Poor sweet girl. Traumatic for sure. One never knows what other dogs are like. I haven’t returned to any dog park-that was 16 yrs ago.
I agree that dog parks come with risks. However, my dog is incredibly leash reactive but does very well off leash. Since we live in a city, the dog park is the best option for her while we work on the reactivity. I just keep an eye on her and the other dogs and avoid the busiest days.
I take my pup to a huge fenced in dog park that also has an additional fenced in area that has trails running thru a woods. He can run, chase squirrels, etc. I also get 3-4 miles of walking with him back there. As others have said, there are also negative aspects. He was jumped by another dog when we first started going, luckily just had a bloody ear. You have to be aware and watch other people and dogs. A group of us go daily and watch out for each other.